Radiation Safety Officer Requirements
Radiation safety officers ensure the safety and protection for those using radiologic materials. These type of officers design, implement and enforce all policies and procedures in regards to the use of radiation. Not only do radiation safety officers make sure that these policies and procedures are compliant with local, state and federal laws, but they keep detailed reports to ensure the continued safety of all operations. Career opportunities are available wherever radioactive materials are present, including power plants, universities, hospitals and government agencies. According to Indeed.com, as of 2010, the average salary for a radiation safety officer is $78,000 per year.
Training
Radiation safety officers should have at least a bachelor's degree in a science-related field and anywhere from two to five years of experience in handling radioactive materials.Those interested in management positions may be required to have a master's or doctorate degree. The curriculum includes both classroom and laboratory training in radiation safety, instrumentation, biology, radioactive materials and physics. After graduation, applicants must continue training under the supervision of a professional radiation safety officer.
Certification
To qualify for certification, applicants must graduate from an accredited university and have the proper number of years of experience. All radiation safety officers must pass an extensive exam, which tests their knowledge in a number of areas. Candidates for certification must understand radiological safety matters, radiation quantities and doses, biological hazards of radiation exposure, types of radiation and byproduct materials. Passing this exam and becoming certified proves to potential employers that an applicant is qualified to work with radioactive chemicals and materials.
Abilities
Prospective radiation safety officers must be prepared to work with hazardous chemicals and materials in a radioactive environment. This position also requires an officer to be able to stop operations when he or she considers the situation unsafe. Radiation safety officers must ensure that all authorized workers are wearing the proper equipment and are prepared to secure any radioactive materials at all times.
Training
Radiation safety officers should have at least a bachelor's degree in a science-related field and anywhere from two to five years of experience in handling radioactive materials.Those interested in management positions may be required to have a master's or doctorate degree. The curriculum includes both classroom and laboratory training in radiation safety, instrumentation, biology, radioactive materials and physics. After graduation, applicants must continue training under the supervision of a professional radiation safety officer.
Certification
To qualify for certification, applicants must graduate from an accredited university and have the proper number of years of experience. All radiation safety officers must pass an extensive exam, which tests their knowledge in a number of areas. Candidates for certification must understand radiological safety matters, radiation quantities and doses, biological hazards of radiation exposure, types of radiation and byproduct materials. Passing this exam and becoming certified proves to potential employers that an applicant is qualified to work with radioactive chemicals and materials.
Abilities
Prospective radiation safety officers must be prepared to work with hazardous chemicals and materials in a radioactive environment. This position also requires an officer to be able to stop operations when he or she considers the situation unsafe. Radiation safety officers must ensure that all authorized workers are wearing the proper equipment and are prepared to secure any radioactive materials at all times.
- ho6c0b6b9158f1d6fa4e7ad39724af5c84.jpg
